Live longer: Exercise alters brain chemistry to protect ageing synapses

The hallmarks of Alzheimer’s are toxic proteins accumulating in the brain, known as amyloid and tau.

These are believed to cause synapses to fall apart, with amyloid accumulating first and leading to a buildup of tau.

Casaletto previously found that synaptic integrity appears to dampen the link between amyloid and tau, lessening tau’s ability to cause neurodegeneration.

She said: “In older adults with higher levels of the proteins associated with synaptic integrity, this cascade of neurotoxicity that leads to Alzheimer’s disease appears to be attenuated.

“Taken together, these two studies show the potential importance of maintaining synaptic health to support the brain against Alzheimer’s disease.”